Table

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to improvements in the table tops for tables and the tables themselves. The improvements to the table tops is in the form of at least angularly offsetting edges of the table top to allow the same to be more efficiently used, particular in conjunction with other similarly formed table tops of tables to form a group of table which allows efficient use of the same and the space in the room. The invention also provides for an efficient adjustment means which allows the adjustment of the height of the table top with respect to the floor to be performed by the user.

The invention to which this application relates is a table, and features thereof. The table is of particular, although not necessarily exclusive, use as part of office, training or generally commercial furniture. The table can be used individually or in combination with other tables which incorporate some or all of the features as will herein be described so as to form a group of tables and a continuous table top surface.

The applicant, in their patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,358 discloses a table which has a table top shape which allows the same to be particularly useful when used in abutment with rectangular shaped table tops so as to join the same together and provide the same at a useful angle for group use. The applicant in their patent EP0966216 discloses a table in a form which allows the same to be moved between an in-use position in which the table top is substantially in a horizontal plane and a storage position in which the table top can be moved to a substantially vertical plane. The table can be moved between said storage and in-use positions without the need to remove the table top from the support frame or legs such that the frame and table top always remain as a single unit. Furthermore, the frame and legs are provided such that the same can be used to support the table even when in the storage position.

While both forms of the product have been found to be commercially successful, the applicant has developed further improvements which may be used with the previously described table feature or other table designs and these are now described herein.

In the first aspect of the invention there is provided table apparatus including a table top, said table top supported by a CONFIRMATION COPY frame and said table top having first and second opposing edges and opposing ends joining said edges and wherein said table top opposing edges are angularly offset with respect to each other and the table top and part of the frame is movable between in use and storage positions with respect to the remainder of the supporting frame.

In one embodiment, the said angularly offset opposing edges, are positioned such that the same narrow inwardly towards the same table end so as to form an end of the table top which is shorter than the opposing end.

Typically, the opposing edges are straight while the ends of the table top may be curved or straight.

In another embodiment, the said opposing edges are curved and the ends are straight.

In one embodiment there is provided the table is provided in conjunction with a series of said tables to form a group of tables and wherein each of the table tops in the group have angularly offset opposed edges. Preferably the table tops with the said angularly offset opposed edges are placed to abut each other in the group of tables.

In one embodiment, in the group of tables, there is provided a plurality of tables which have the angularly offset opposed edges, but not all table tops need be of this shape. In one embodiment, the table tops with the opposed edges can be placed to abut each other or alternatively, tables with table tops of rectangular or square shape in plan can be positioned such that an edge of the same abuts one of the opposed side edges.

Typically, the group of tables can be selectively configured to suit particular uses for the same and in each case, a uniform continuous table top surface is formed.

In one embodiment, each of the table tops is supported by a frame connected thereto. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a frame base onto which the table top is placed and connected and one, or a series of legs, depending down from said frame base.

In one embodiment, at the end of the said legs is provided a castor or roller thereby allowing the tables to be moved about either for storage purposes or to allow the selected configuration of the same to be achieved.

Typically the supporting frame for the table top has one or a series of legs depending down from said table top, with a surface contact means in the form of a base stop, castor or roller provided at the free end of each leg with adjustment means positioned to allow the height of the table top to which the legs are connected, to be adjusted with respect to the floor wherein said adjustment means are provided intermediate the surface contact means and the free end of each leg.

In one embodiment the adjustment means comprises a threaded stem which is attached to either of the free end of the table leg or the surface contact means and a threaded port into which the threaded stem can be selectively threaded.

In one embodiment, the threaded stem includes an end stop which determines the lowest point of the table top and the free end of the threaded stem defines the highest point of the table top.

Preferably, the threaded stem is provided on the surface contact means and a knurled ring is located within the free end of the table top leg.

In one embodiment, a further ring is provided intermediate the knurled ring and the end stop on the threaded stem and, once the threaded stem has been introduced into the knurled ring such that the table top height is determined, the second ring can be adjusted on the threaded stem to abut the free end of the leg and therefore effectively lock the threaded stem with the knurled ring at the selected height.

In one embodiment the surface contact means is a stopper, caster roller or wheel.

In one embodiment the table is movable between a storage position and an in-use position and, in the in-use position, the table top is held in a substantially horizontal plane and in the storage position in a substantially vertical plane lying adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the table support frame and wherein, attached to said longitudinal edge of the table support frame is a panel which depends downwardly from said edge and said panel remains in situ when the table is in and moved between the storage and in-use positions.

Typically, when moved from a storage position to an in-use position, the longitudinal edge of the frame to which the panel is connected, and the panel, remain in a stationary position with arms which are pivotally connected to said longitudinal edge being pivoted away from the longitudinal edge to an extended position in which the same are locked in position with an opposing longitudinal edge which is mounted on the underside of the table top. The extension of the arms, to the free ends of which are connected first and second legs, enables the spacing of the first and second legs from the third and fourth legs of the table which are connected to the fixed longitudinal edge of the frame.

Once the arms are locked in position with regard to the opposing longitudinal edge on the underside of the table top then the table is effectively locked in the in-use position. To move the same to the storage position, the arms are unlocked from the longitudinal edge on the underside of the table top and then moved back towards the fixed longitudinal edge of the frame whereupon the table top is then free to be pivoted downwardly towards the vertical position.

Typically, the said panel is used as a modesty panel.

Preferably, the panel is supported on the longitudinal edge of the frame via four brackets.

In one embodiment the table includes apparatus for the enclosure and guiding of one or more cable connections to allow the connection of data and/or power to one or more devices positioned on the table.

In one embodiment the apparatus runs across substantially the length of the table and is affixed to the fixed longitudinal edge of the frame.

In one embodiment the apparatus is provided in the form of an enclosure with an opening at one or both ends to allow cable to pass therethrough. In one embodiment the enclosure is provided with a flap portion which allows access to be gained by pivotally moving the flap to an open position.

Importantly the enclosure apparatus is provided in a form which still allows the table top and legs of the frame to be moved between in use and storage positions.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a table including a table top, said table top supported by a frame said table top having first and second opposing edges and opposing ends joining said edges and wherein said opposing edges are angularly offset with respect to each other.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a table having a table top and a supporting frame wherein the supporting frame for the table top has one or a series of legs depending down from said table top, with a surface contact means in the form of a base stop, castor or roller provided at the free end of each leg with adjustment means positioned to allow the height of the table top to which the legs are connected, to be adjusted with respect to the floor wherein said adjustment means are provided intermediate the surface contact means and the free end of each leg.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:—

FIGS. 1A to J indicate plan views of table tops with some of the same in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A to D illustrate examples of embodiments of a group of tables formed using the table top shapes of FIGS. 1A to J;

FIGS. 3A to C illustrate a further embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A to C illustrate a further embodiment of a table in accordance with the invention; and

FIGS. 5 a-c illustrate a further embodiment of a table in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1A to J and 2A to D, there is illustrated a series of table tops 1 in plan, all or any combination of which may form a group of tables in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The table tops can have a support frame connected thereunder which is not shown in these drawings but is shown in more detail subsequently. The table top is provided to be moved between a substantially horizontal in use position as shown for example in FIGS. 4 a-c and FIGS. 5 b and c, and a storage position as shown in FIG. 5 a in which the table top and part of the frame and joined legs are moved from an extended position as shown in FIGS. 4 a-c and FIGS. 5B and c to amore substantially in line position shown in FIG. 5 a by pivotal movement of the portions 89, 90 of the frame about hinged portions 91 93 respectively as shown in FIGS. 4 a and c and indicated by arrows 92,94.

Turning again to FIGS. 1 and 2 it should be appreciated that these table tops can all be used with the folding arrangement as described above. The tables can be split into two groups, those tables 2 which have a conventional square or rectangular table top shape and plan and which, if the same were joined end to end would simply form a relatively straight linear form which is unsuitable for many group uses. The second group of tables 4 are those which are in accordance with the invention and it is these shapes which allow the combination of tables in the group to be selected and the configurations to be selected and changed using the same group of tables. Examples of configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 2A to D.

In each case, the tables 4 have opposing edges 6, 8 which are angled, and also in some instances curved, with respect to each other so as to define, at one end of the table, a narrow end 10 and at the opposing end, a wider end 12. As is shown in certain of the examples, the ends can be curved or can have angled faces 16, 18. FIGS. 2A to D illustrate four groups 24, 26, 28, 30, each of which are formed using a combination of table top shapes from FIGS. 1A-J and it will be appreciated how the provision of the range of tables allows different configurations of a group of tables to be achieved for particular uses.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A to C, there is illustrated a further feature of the invention which can be used with any of the features shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2. An end 42 of a table leg 40 is shown. At the end of the table leg 40 there is provided a surface contact means, in this case in the form of a castor 43, which can be provided with a brake 44 although this is not of particular relevance to the invention as described herein. Depending upwardly from the castor, there is provided a stem 46 which has at one end a threaded section 48 which depends upwardly from an end stop 50. The free end 52 of the threaded section is provided to be located through a threaded aperture in knurled ring 56 which is located within the free end of the table leg. Intermediate the knurled ring and the end stop is a second threaded ring 58 which is located on the threaded section. Thus, when using a series of the table legs and surface contact means arrangement as herein described, the table top which is connected to the top 60 of the table leg, can be adjusted to a particular height with respect to the floor on which the castor is based.

To achieve this, the threaded section 48 can be rotated with respect to the table leg 46 so as to allow the threaded section to pass into the table leg to a greater extent thereby reducing the height of the table top or extended out of the table leg end to a greater extent thereby increasing the height of the table top. Once the height has reached the selected level, the second ring 58 can be tightened onto the end 42 of the table leg to lock the threaded stem 48 at the required height.

Although the above arrangement is preferred in an alternative arrangement the leg is tubular with straight walls and a threaded insert is placed and secured in to the end of the tube to which the castor is to be attached. The castor in turn is attached to a threaded portion to threadably engage with the insert such that relative rotation of the same causes the height adjustment to be achieved.

It should therefore be appreciated that it has not previously been known or achieved to provide a height adjustment feature for tables which have a table top which can be moved between storage and in use positions as is described herein. This height adjustment feature alone or in combination with the features subsequently described allows this type of table to be sold and used with the portability feature and the advantages which this provides but with none of the disadvantages of the conventional portable tables which are normally used for temporary purposes.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A to C, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the invention is provided with regard to a table 80 which has a table top 82, a frame base 84 and legs 86 depending down from the base. The base is provided to have a fixed longitudinal edge 88, arms 89, 90. The arms can be moved as indicated by arrows 92, 94 respectively to an in-use position shown in FIGS. 4A to C in which the same are locked via locking means 96 to an edge 98 opposing the longitudinal edge 88.

FIGS. 4A to C also show the provision of a modesty panel 102 which is attached via brackets 104, 106 to the fixed edge 88 of the frame such that the modesty panel suspends downwardly from the fixed edge of the frame.

It should be appreciated that the table in accordance with FIGS. 4A to C can be moved to a storage position and this is achieved by releasing the arms from the opposing edge 98 of the frame and then folding the same inwardly such that the same lie substantially closer to the fixed edge 88 of the frame and then allow the table top to be swung downwardly as indicated by the arrow 104 such that the same lies at a substantially vertical plane. However, it is important to note that the modesty panel can remain in position as it is attached to the fixed edge of the frame and thereby provide a table which can be moved between the storage and in-use positions and still can be provided with a modesty panel which remains in position in said storage and in-use positions.

FIGS. 5 a-c illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 a-c and has the leg arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 a-c. Where appropriate the same reference numerals are used. In FIGS. 5 a-c there is shown that the table 80 includes apparatus 110 for the enclosure and guiding of one or more cable connections 112 to allow the connection of data and/or power to one or more devices (not shown) positioned on the table top 82.

In one embodiment the apparatus runs across substantially the length of the rear of the table and is affixed to the fixed longitudinal edge 88 of the frame.

In one embodiment the apparatus 110 is provided in the form of an enclosure with an opening 114 at one or both ends to allow cables 112 to pass therethrough. In one embodiment the enclosure is provided with a flap 116 portion which allows access to be gained by pivotally moving the flap to an open position as shown in FIG. 5 b and which allows access to be gained to a socket arrangement 118 provided within the enclosure and to which plugs from the devices can be connected.

Importantly the enclosure apparatus is provided in a form which still allows the table top 82 and legs 86 of the frame to be moved between the in use position as shown in FIGS. 5 b and 5 c and the storage position shown in FIG. 5 a.

The present invention therefore provides a series of features which can be used independently, or in any combination, to allow improvements to be provided to users of the tables. 

1. Table apparatus including a table top, said table top supported by a frame and said table top having first and second opposing edges and opposing ends joining said edges and wherein said table top opposing edges are angularly offset with respect to each other and the table top and part of the frame is movable between in use and storage positions with respect to the remainder of the supporting frame.
 2. A table according to claim 1 wherein the said angularly offset opposing edges of the said table are positioned such that the same narrow inwardly towards a common table end so as to form one end of the table top which is shorter than the opposing end.
 3. A table according to claim 1 wherein the said opposing edges are straight.
 4. A table according to claim 1 wherein the said opposing edges are curved.
 5. A table according to claim 1 provided in conjunction with a series of said tables to form a group of tables and wherein each of the table tops in the group have angularly offset opposed edges.
 6. A table according to claim 5 wherein the table tops with the said angularly offset opposed edges are placed to abut each other in the group of tables.
 7. A table according to claim 1 wherein the supporting frame for the table top has one or a series of legs depending down from said table top, with a surface contact means in the form of a base stop, castor or roller provided at the free end of each leg with adjustment means positioned to allow the height of the table top to which the legs are connected, to be adjusted with respect to the floor wherein said adjustment means are provided intermediate the surface contact means and the free end of each leg.
 8. A table according to claim 7 wherein the adjustment means comprise a threaded stem which is attached to either of the free end of the table leg or the surface contact means, and a threaded port into which the threaded stem can be selectively threaded.
 9. A table according to claim 8 wherein the threaded stem includes an end which determines the lowest point of the table top and the free end of the threaded stem defies the highest point of the table top.
 10. A table according to claim 8 wherein the threaded stem is provided on the surface contact means and a knurled ring with the threaded port is provided within the free end of the leg.
 11. A table according to claim 10 wherein a threaded ring is provided intermediate the knurled ring and the surface contact means on the threaded stem.
 12. A table according to claim 1 wherein in the in-use position the table top is held in a substantially horizontal plane and in the storage position in a substantially vertical plane lying adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the table support frame and wherein, attached to said longitudinal edge of the table support frame is a panel which depends downwardly from said edge and said panel remains in situ when the table is in, and moved between, the storage and the in-use positions.
 13. A table according to claim 12 wherein when the table is moved from a storage position to an in-use position, the longitudinal edge of the frame to which the panel is connected, and the panel, remain in a stationary position with arms which are pivotally connected to said longitudinal edge being pivoted away from the longitudinal edge to an extended position in which the same are locked in position with an opposing longitudinal edge which is mounted on the underside of the table top.
 14. A table according to claim 12 wherein the said panel is used as a modesty panel.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the same includes apparatus for the enclosure and guiding of one or more cable connections to allow the provision of data and/or power to one or more devices positioned on the table.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the apparatus runs across substantially the length of the table and is affixed to a fixed longitudinal edge of the frame.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the apparatus is provided in the form of an enclosure with an opening at one or both ends to allow cables to pass therethrough.
 18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the enclosure is provided with a flap portion which allows access to be gained to the enclosure by pivotally moving the flap to an open position.
 19. A table having a table top and a supporting frame wherein the supporting frame for the table top has one or a series of legs depending down from said table top, with a surface contact means in the form of a base stop, castor or roller provided at the free end of each leg with adjustment means positioned to allow the height of the table top to which the legs are connected to be adjusted with respect to the floor wherein said adjustment means are provided intermediate the surface contact means and the free end of each leg. 